What do you do when you don't have a choice?

[damarasmom]

I have been seeing alot of posts re: IEP's and placements of children and I'm getting a little upset. What do you do when you don't have options? Damara is in a PPCD class at a public school. It is not the closest school, but not all the schools have a "special ed" class for pre-school children. Well, there are no options for inclusion. This class is all special needs children. She attends 5 days a week for 3 hours a day. She gets all her therapy, however, does not get the "inclusion" time. Previously in NH she was in a daycare which was primarly typical children. She learned so much and we are always saying this to the school/teachers. But...there is no other "option". They don't have a class set up for this age to accomodate both typical and special needs children.
Is it not a big deal until the go into Kinder? I don't know when she will be put into Kinder, she is 4 now, and they are keeping her in PPCD for next year, so maybe the following year? She will be 6 at that point, is that too late?
I am so very confused at this point, our IEP isn't until October after school starts, so can't really do anything with them until then...right???
I'm sorry that I am rambling, and I know that I should know more than I do, but there is just so much to know and they don't volunteer this information, you need to "find" it on your own...GRRRR...

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

Hmmm doesn't sound right to me. Let me see what I can find for you. I gotta run to the Relay for Life garage sale real quick to turn in some donations but I will dig through my bookmarks when i return. I just can't stand schools telling parents stuff like this. I'm hoping it's not the case but we'll see what Texas law states

[damarasmom]

You are the best...and I am trying to research too...

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

Ok check your PM box. I didn't want to clog up the board. Alot of reading but worth it

[ALLISA]

Well, first off....every child is different and what works for one, may not be best for another.....so take my thougts with a grain of salt.....and ......remember that same thing when the school tells you that is all they have to give.....just cause it "works" for others....doesn't mean it will work for you and Damara

So first off to answer your questions....we'll do the easy one first....NO.....you do NOT have to wait until October at your IEP meeting to discuss this, you can request a meeting any time you like....put your request in writing.....ie....letter to current teacher and a CC to the Sped Dept....they MUST respond within 2 weeks ( I think ) to a written request.

So if I read correctly.....there is no "typical" preschool kids in the public preschool now, all they have are children with IEP's......thoughts here are.....perhaps sign her up for a typical preschool as well.....if she needs an aide with her....tell school you would expect them to pay for that ( I'm pretty sure that won't go over well and not promisisng a good response....but worth it to let them know how important the integration piece is to you)

Is there a public preschool class in a different building that is intergrated ? If so....I'd demand to go there.....

What is the kindergarten cut-off age where you are ? If Damamar falls into it and you think she is ready....I would say follow that guideline, don't just keep her behind because they want her to stay. For me & Erin, I did keep her longer in preschool...it was what she needed, and it was fine....but it is your choice as well....don't let them decide for you.

Is the kindergarten intergrated ?

You asked what to do when you don't ahve options.....there are always options......the school just doesn't want you to push them into giving you options, so instead, they push you into doing what they want and they tell you there are no other options.

Is there a bordering town that does their public preschool differently ? If there is a town with an INTERGRATED public pre-school.....put that out to your town....." this is what Damara needs"......if they don't have it in your town....tell them you'll gladly let them pay for you to go to that one.....the other town will gladly take your town's money to offset their own expenses....trust me.....again.....that's not going to go over well in a meeting......but......it does look like a fight is what you have on your hands.

Sorry to be so long......I'd put a lettter in the mail first thing Monday morning......and get a meeting set up to discuss all these things before summer hits and everyone is gone !!

Please post back with updates and I wish you and Damara the best !!

[damarasmom]

Thank you guys! I needed to hear all of this and the PM from Googsmom still has me reading! I have already sent a request to meet so I'll have to see when I hear back from them. I have so much to learn, thank you all for all of your information and advise. I do appreaciate each of you!!!
Wish me luck...I'M GOING IN!!!!

[Chris too]

May 17, 2008 8:51:23 GMT -5 damarasmom said:

I have already sent a request to meet so I'll have to see when I hear back from them. I have so much to learn, thank you all for all of your information and advise. I do appreaciate each of you!!!
Wish me luck...I'M GOING IN!!!!

Luck!